Good Morning Girls!  Trying to do make good choices and decisions isn't always easy.  There are many reasons why we are pulled away from the things we know and want to do.  Once we've told our flesh no! and fought it out with the devil, there are still a slew of obstacles that you will be faced with.  They are simply the challenges brought on by your daily life.  These obstacle are usually not major, they are simply blips of inconvenience.  The fact that they are not major are what can make them so dangerous, and so frustrating.  When I have it in my mind that I am going to achieve that which I have set out to do, it never comes easy.  At the end of the day, I often look back and think "wow!  it is truly amazing that I was able to accomplish all of that!"  (with the Lords help of course).  Day after day I am making hard decisions.  Day after day I am juggling the tasks that come with being a wife, mom, and now a part time employee.  Day after day, I am having to say no to the things that I want to do, and do the things that I need to do.  Sound familiar?  I'm sure many of you reading this feels the same at times.  I often have moments when I fell like screaming "Somethings Gotta Give!".   To be honest with you, the other thing I often struggle with is wanting a little recognition for what I am doing.  I think most people like to be recognized for their efforts.  Unfortunately, often times so many of us are hoping to be recognized that we miss the opportunity to build others up by recognizing them!  There are times (especially lately) that I find myself slipping into this martyr role.  I want to show my burdens to my husband.  I want to tell my family about all of the things I am doing.  I want to recite my to do list to those around me in hopes of a "Wow jen, I had no idea you were doing all of that."  When I catch myself going down this road, I laugh at myself and think "oh Jen, do you really want everyone to know you're fasting?".  I am referring to the story in Matthew chapter 6.  this was literally the case for me a couple of years ago when I did a 10 day fast.  I held on to this verse because I didn't want those around me to know what I was doing until I was done (but that's a whole other story).  However now this verse pops in my head whenever I feel myself slipping into the "doesn't anybody know what I'm going through mode".   It helps me put things in perspective.  You know, even on my worst days, I have a great life.  The things I am going through are no different than the things you are (I think I read that in a blog somewhere).  I really do not have it tough (despite what my whine ball flesh and my hormones would like me to think sometimes).  In fact, I am more blessed now than I have ever been.  I am stronger than I have ever been.  I am closer with the Lord than I have ever been.  I have a clearer direction of where my life's is going than I ever have.  So really, do I need to share all of the little details along the way?  Only when they will help someone else in their own struggles.  If they will not help someone else, they are wasted words.   Now, don't get me wrong here.  You don't have to keep everything bottled up inside.  You need to have a friend to talk to when you are having those "Somethings Gotta Give" kind of days.  There is nothing wrong with turning to others for support.  There is also nothing wrong with appreciating recognition from time to time.  We all need it!  What I am talking about here are those times when we want to walk around telling everyone our sob stories.  You know what I'm talking about.  You can probably even picture one or two people who live their life in sob story mode.  After a few interactions you want to duck around the corner whenever you see them!  Wow, it took me a long time to get to the point I initially wanted to make.  Here it is: others around you may have no idea all of the things you are doing for them....but God does.  He knows every tear you've shed.  He knows every drop of sweat you've exerted.  He is watching all of your hard work.  The best part is, He will reward you for it!  Trust me, God's rewards are way better than any "atta girl" you will get from anyone else.  Next time life is getting in the way of your happiness, ask the Lord to show you He knows and sees what you are going through.  He'll be happy to shower a little reward your way and keep you going.  He would much rather have you give a testimony of His faithfulness than a sob story!

Matthew 6:18 then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private.  And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Love you all-
Jen